Dangers posed by Counterfeit Electrical Products.

Counterfeiting electrical products is a wildly growing menace. This practice poses a safety threat to all work environments, as well as anyone that lives or works where these products are installed. Electrical products such as chargers, extension cords, cables, lighting, circuit breakers, fuses, accessories or switches are being counterfeited at unimaginable levels. This poses serious health problems yet this crime continues unabated. These counterfeits normally result in malfunctions that cause serious injuries including electrical shock, electrocution and even death.

It is estimated that over 10% of world trade is in counterfeit products – and this is true for electrical products. Most of this is done as brand name counterfeits or design copies. The destination for most of these counterfeit products in now in developing countries. Most of these fake products are sourced from countries like China.

Counterfeit electrical products lack independent testing and, most do not even meet minimal performance specifications .Most use inferior materials without any regard for labelled ratings customer safety and certification. These manufactures rely on deception and prices below market levels to find their way in businesses.

Some Steps to Mitigate the Impact of Counterfeiting.

CONTACT BRAND OWNER. If a product is believed to be counterfeit, contact the brand owner.

BUY AUTHENTIC. The best way to avoid counterfeit electrical products in the first place is to purchase products directly from manufacturer’s authorized distributors or resellers.

SET UP REPORTING PROCESS. Report to the relevant anti-counterfeit agencies. In Kenya follow the due process and report to the Anti Counterfeit Agency (ACA), a State Corporation with the mandates to enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting, combat counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods.

The responsibility lies with all of us to fight this menace: suppliers, those specifying, purchasing and installing electrical equipment. Take action and help protect yourself and the planet.